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US9974628B2 - Tooth cleaning device having internal fluid conduit formed therein - Google Patents

Tooth cleaning device having internal fluid conduit formed therein Download PDF

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Publication number
US9974628B2
US9974628B2 US15/305,981 US201515305981A US9974628B2 US 9974628 B2 US9974628 B2 US 9974628B2 US 201515305981 A US201515305981 A US 201515305981A US 9974628 B2 US9974628 B2 US 9974628B2
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Prior art keywords
tube
main body
cleaning device
cleaning
coupling
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Application number
US15/305,981
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US20170042638A1 (en
Inventor
Seung Min Lee
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Bluereo Inc
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Bluereo Inc
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Assigned to BLUEREO INC. reassignment BLUEREO INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LEE, SEUNG MIN
Publication of US20170042638A1 publication Critical patent/US20170042638A1/en
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A61C17/02—Rinsing or air-blowing devices, e.g. using fluid jets or comprising liquid medication
    • A61C17/0208—Rinsing or air-blowing devices, e.g. using fluid jets or comprising liquid medication combined with means providing suction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C1/00—Dental machines for boring or cutting ; General features of dental machines or apparatus, e.g. hand-piece design
    • A61C1/0061—Air and water supply systems; Valves specially adapted therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
    • A46B7/04—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body interchangeably removable bristle carriers
    • A46B7/042—Clip or snap connection for bristle carriers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
    • A46B11/0006—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water specially adapted to feed the bristle upper surface
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
    • A46B11/001—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs
    • A46B11/002—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water with integral reservoirs pressurised at moment of use manually or by powered means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B11/00—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water
    • A46B11/06—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water connected to supply pipe or to other external supply means
    • A46B11/063—Brushes with reservoir or other means for applying substances, e.g. paints, pastes, water connected to supply pipe or to other external supply means by means of a supply pipe
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0016—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with enhancing means
    • A46B15/0036—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with enhancing means with a lighting means, e.g. laser, bulb
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B9/00—Arrangements of the bristles in the brush body
    • A46B9/02—Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
    • A46B9/04—Arranged like in or for toothbrushes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C1/00—Dental machines for boring or cutting ; General features of dental machines or apparatus, e.g. hand-piece design
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C1/00—Dental machines for boring or cutting ; General features of dental machines or apparatus, e.g. hand-piece design
    • A61C1/0061—Air and water supply systems; Valves specially adapted therefor
    • A61C1/0076—Sterilising operating fluids or fluid supply elements such as supply lines, filters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A61C17/02—Rinsing or air-blowing devices, e.g. using fluid jets or comprising liquid medication
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A61C17/02—Rinsing or air-blowing devices, e.g. using fluid jets or comprising liquid medication
    • A61C17/0202—Hand-pieces
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A61C17/02—Rinsing or air-blowing devices, e.g. using fluid jets or comprising liquid medication
    • A61C17/024—Rinsing or air-blowing devices, e.g. using fluid jets or comprising liquid medication with constant liquid flow
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A61C17/02—Rinsing or air-blowing devices, e.g. using fluid jets or comprising liquid medication
    • A61C17/028—Rinsing or air-blowing devices, e.g. using fluid jets or comprising liquid medication with intermittent liquid flow
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
    • A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C17/00—Devices for cleaning, polishing, rinsing or drying teeth, teeth cavities or prostheses; Saliva removers; Dental appliances for receiving spittle
    • A61C17/16—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices
    • A61C17/22—Power-driven cleaning or polishing devices with brushes, cushions, cups, or the like
    • A61C17/222—Brush body details, e.g. the shape thereof or connection to handle
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B7/00—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body
    • A46B7/04—Bristle carriers arranged in the brush body interchangeably removable bristle carriers
    • A46B7/046—Threaded or screw connections for bristle carriers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61C—DENTISTRY; APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR ORAL OR DENTAL HYGIENE
    • A61C1/00—Dental machines for boring or cutting ; General features of dental machines or apparatus, e.g. hand-piece design
    • A61C1/08—Machine parts specially adapted for dentistry
    • A61C1/088—Illuminating devices or attachments

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a tooth cleaning device, and more particularly, to a tooth cleaning device capable of supplying a cleaning solution or discharging a fluid in the mouth to the outside through a flow path formed in the tooth cleaning device.
  • the most typical tool for cleaning teeth is a toothbrush
  • the toothbrush is a tool used to clean the teeth with toothpaste attached to the toothbrush for the purpose of health care, hygiene, and cleanliness for the teeth.
  • the toothbrush includes a handle portion formed in the form of a stick, and a brush formed by densely planting thin bristle members on a body formed at a tip of the handle portion.
  • a user attaches the brush of the toothbrush onto the teeth and repeatedly performs an operation of removing gargling water in the mouth while rubbing the teeth, and after brushing the teeth, the user washes the interior of the mouth with cleaning water, and then spits out the gargling water.
  • a tooth cleaning device for supplying a cleaning solution.
  • the tooth cleaning device supplies a high-pressure cleaning solution such as water into the mouth in order to clean the teeth or the interdental spaces, but in the case of the aforementioned tooth cleaning device, a nozzle for spraying the cleaning solution cannot be replaced or a problem of waterproof performance occurs when the nozzle is disassembled in most instances.
  • a tooth cleaning device which may allow only a nozzle and some components of the tooth cleaning device to be replaced, allow maintenance to be conveniently performed on the interior of the tooth cleaning device, and have excellent waterproof performance.
  • the present disclosure has been made in an effort to solve the aforementioned problems in the related art, and to enable components of a nozzle to be easily assembled to and disassembled from a tooth cleaning device, and enable waterproof performance to be maintained after the components are assembled.
  • a tooth cleaning device having an internal fluid conduit formed therein, the tooth cleaning device including: a main body which has a tube provided in the main body and selectively connectable with a drive unit; and a cleaning body which is assembled to one side of the main body, and has the internal fluid conduit formed in the cleaning body and connectable with the tube, wherein at least one nozzle is formed to be opened at one end of the internal fluid conduit, in which when the main body and the cleaning body are assembled, one end of the tube is connected to one end of the internal fluid conduit so as to form a continuous flow path.
  • a coupling protrusion and a coupling channel which correspond to each other, may be formed on the cleaning body and the main body, respectively, such that during a process in which the cleaning body is coupled to the main body, the coupling protrusion is guided along the coupling channel and then caught and fixed by one side of the coupling channel.
  • a flange may be separably coupled to the main body, the coupling channel may be formed to be recessed in an inner surface of the flange, the coupling channel may include an introduction portion which has one end opened to the outside, a connecting portion which extends from the introduction portion in a direction in which the main body and the cleaning body are coupled, and a rotation portion which extends from the connecting portion in a direction in which the rotation portion is orthogonal to or inclined from the connection portion, and a catching projection may protrude at one end of the rotation portion.
  • the tube may be provided in the main body so as to be separable from the main body, and the internal fluid conduit may be formed integrally with the cleaning body.
  • One end of the tube provided in the main body may be positioned in the flange, such that when the cleaning body is coupled to the flange, one end of the internal fluid conduit of the cleaning body and one end of the tube are connected to each other.
  • a tube guide may be provided below the flange, the tube guide may include a guide plate which is supported and fixed on an inner surface of the main body, a tube coupling portion which protrudes from a bottom surface of the guide plate and is coupled to one end of the tube, and a conduit insertion portion which protrudes from an upper surface of the guide plate and is positioned in the flange, and when the cleaning body is coupled to the flange, at least a part of the conduit insertion portion may be inserted into the internal fluid conduit of the cleaning body.
  • a waterproof seal may be provided on an outer surface of the conduit insertion portion.
  • the tube coupling portion may be formed such that a width thereof is decreased toward the protruding one end, and at least one coupling rib may protrude on an outer surface of the tube coupling portion.
  • a light emitting unit which emits light
  • an evading portion may be formed in the tube guide by being recessed or opened so as to allow light emitted from the light emitting unit to pass through the evading portion or allow the light emitting unit to be seated on the evading portion.
  • the cleaning body may include: a connecting bar which has the internal fluid conduit formed therein; a cleaning head which is provided at one end of the connecting bar and has at least one nozzle formed on an outer surface thereof; and a coupling boss which protrudes from the other end of the connecting bar and has a coupling protrusion provided on an outer surface thereof.
  • the cleaning head may be formed in a cylindrical shape, a plurality of nozzles may be formed on at least one of an outer circumferential surface, an upper surface, or a bottom surface of the cleaning head, and the nozzle may be formed radially toward an outer circumferential surface of the cleaning head.
  • a brush may be separably coupled to the cleaning head.
  • the tube may be provided in the main body so as to be separable from the main body, and the drive unit may supply a washing liquid to the tube, or suck a liquid from the nozzle by providing negative pressure to the tube.
  • the main body and the cleaning body which constitute the tooth cleaning device, may be assembled and disassembled, it is possible to repair, replace, or wash some components such as the tube and the internal fluid conduit by disassembling the components, thereby improving maintainability of the tooth cleaning device.
  • the main body and the cleaning body may be easily assembled and disassembled through a rotational operation, and one end of the tube and the internal fluid conduit of the cleaning body are naturally connected through the tube guide during this assembling process, assembly property is improved, and since the waterproof seal of the tube guide is compressed by the internal fluid conduit during the process in which the main body and the cleaning body are assembled, a waterproof function is implemented without performing separate work, and as a result, operational reliability may be improved.
  • the user since the brush is selectively coupled to the cleaning head, the user may use the tooth cleaning device only for supplying or discharging the cleaning solution after eliminating the brush, or may use the tooth cleaning device like a typical toothbrush after coupling the brush, and as a result, utilization of the tooth cleaning device is improved.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an exemplary embodiment of a tooth cleaning device having an internal fluid conduit according to the present disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating configurations of a cleaning body, a flange, and a tube guide that constitute the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a structure in which the cleaning body and the flange, which constitute the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, are coupled;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the structure in FIG. 3 when viewed at a different angle
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating configurations of the cleaning body, the flange, and the tube guide that constitute the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a cleaning head that constitutes the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIGS. 7 to 9 are operating state views sequentially illustrating a process in which a coupling protrusion moves while the cleaning body and the flange, which constitute the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, are coupled.
  • first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe constituent elements of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These terms are used only for the purpose of discriminating one constituent element from another constituent element, and the nature, the sequences, or the orders of the constituent elements are not limited by the terms.
  • one constituent element is described as being “connected”, “coupled”, or “attached” to another constituent element, it should be understood that one constituent element can be connected or attached directly to another constituent element, and an intervening constituent element can also be “connected”, “coupled”, or “attached” to the constituent elements.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an exemplary embodiment of a tooth cleaning device having an internal fluid conduit according to the present disclosure.
  • a tooth cleaning device having an internal fluid conduit 58 formed therein broadly includes a main body 10 and a cleaning body 50 .
  • the main body 10 defines a framework and an external shape of a lower portion of the tooth cleaning device, and is a kind of a handle portion substantially grasped by a user when the user uses the tooth cleaning device, and the cleaning body 50 is a portion used to clean teeth.
  • a drive unit 100 is connected to the tooth cleaning device, and the drive unit 100 is a part for generating external force for supplying a cleaning solution through a tube T 1 or sucking a fluid in the mouth.
  • the drive unit 100 is configured as an external main body provided outside the tooth cleaning device, but the drive unit 100 may be configured integrally with the tooth cleaning device.
  • the drive unit 100 may be a component mounted in the main body 10 , or a component coupled to the main body 10 .
  • the main body 10 has a kind of a bar shape having a vacant interior, and the main body 10 is a portion grasped by the user.
  • an outer surface 12 of the main body 10 is formed as a curved surface, but may be formed to have various external shapes such as a polygonal shape or a recessed shape so as to indicate a portion grasped by the user.
  • An internal space is formed in the main body 10 .
  • the internal space extends and elongates in a longitudinal direction of the main body 10 , and the tube T 1 and a tube guide 40 , which will be described below, are inserted into the internal space.
  • first fastening protruding portions 15 are formed at one side of the main body 10 .
  • the first fastening protruding portions 15 correspond to second fastening recesses 39 a of the flange 30 which will be described below, and as the first fastening protruding portions 15 are inserted into the second fastening recesses 39 a of the flange 30 , the main body 10 and the flange 30 are coupled to each other.
  • fastening grooves may be formed in the main body 10
  • fastening protruding portions may be provided on the flange 30 .
  • the main body 10 may be configured as two components, and the two components are coupled to each other with the flange 30 being disposed between the two components, such that the flange 30 may be coupled to the main body 10 .
  • the tube T 1 is inserted into the main body 10 .
  • the tube T 1 extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body 10 , one end of the tube T 1 is connected to an internal fluid conduit 58 of the cleaning body 50 which will be described below, and the other end of the tube T 1 is connected with the drive unit 100 . Therefore, the tube T 1 may transmit negative pressure, which is produced by suction power of the drive unit 100 , to the cleaning body 50 , or on the contrary, the tube T 1 may transmit the cleaning solution, which is discharged by discharge power of the drive unit 100 , to the cleaning body 50 .
  • One end of the tube T 1 is coupled to a tube coupling portion 45 of the tube guide 40 which will be described below, and in the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , one end of the tube T 1 is elastically deformed in a direction in which a width thereof is increased, and then coupled to the tube coupling portion 45 in a press-fit manner. Further, the other end of the tube T 1 is separably connected with the drive unit 100 .
  • both ends of the tube T 1 are separably coupled to the tube guide 40 and the drive unit 100 , respectively, and as a result, the user may easily perform maintenance such as operations of separating and replacing the tube T 1 or reassembling the tube T 1 after washing the tube T 1 .
  • the tube T 1 may be integrally formed in the main body 10 , or the tube T 1 may be configured such that at least a part of the tube T 1 is formed integrally with the main body 10 and the remaining part of the tube T 1 is connected to the main body 10 .
  • the tube is described by using the tube T connected to the drive unit 100 and the tube T 1 provided in the main body 10 , but the tube T and the tube T 1 may be configured by extending a single tube.
  • an operating unit may be provided on the outer surface of the main body 10 .
  • the operating unit may be a kind of a switch for operating the drive unit 100 , and a light emitting unit to be described below may be manipulated by the operating unit.
  • the flange 30 may be coupled to one end of the main body 10 .
  • the flange 30 is coupled to an upper portion of the main body 10 , and serves to connect the main body 10 and the cleaning body 50 . More exactly, as the cleaning body 50 is coupled to the flange 30 , the cleaning body 50 and the main body 10 are connected to each other.
  • the flange 30 is formed to have an approximately ring-shaped flange body 31 in terms of an external appearance and a framework thereof, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, and the flange 30 may have various shapes in accordance with a shape of the main body 10 .
  • the flange 30 is separably coupled to the upper portion of the main body 10 , and coupling channels 33 are formed in an inner surface of the flange 30 .
  • the coupling channels 33 correspond to coupling protrusions 57 of the cleaning body 50 which will be described below, and the coupling channels 33 are recessed in the inner surface of the flange 30 , and serves to guide the movement of the coupling protrusions 57 during a process of coupling the flange 30 and the cleaning body 50 .
  • the coupling channel 33 is formed to be recessed in the inner surface of the flange 30 to a predetermined depth so that the coupling protrusion 57 may move along the coupling channel 33 .
  • the coupling channel 33 includes an introduction portion 34 , a connecting portion 35 , and a rotation portion 36 .
  • the introduction portion 34 is a portion which is opened at one end, that is, opened upward based on FIG. 2
  • the connecting portion 35 is a portion which extends from the introduction portion 34 in a direction in which the main body 10 and the cleaning body 50 are coupled.
  • the rotation portion 36 extends in a direction in which the rotation portion 36 is orthogonal to or inclined from the connecting portion 35 . The reason is to allow the main body 10 and the cleaning body 50 to be coupled to each other while being rotated relative to each other about a rotation center in the longitudinal direction of the main body 10 during the process of coupling the main body 10 and the cleaning body 50 .
  • a catching projection 38 protrudes at one end of the rotation portion 36 .
  • the catching projection 38 protrudes from one end of the rotation portion 36 , and serves to inhibit the coupling protrusion 57 of the cleaning body 50 from climbing over the catching projection 38 and then arbitrarily moving in the opposite direction, that is, a direction in which the coupling protrusion 57 is separated.
  • the catching projection 38 may be formed to have a curved shape so that the catching protrusion may comparatively easily climb over the catching projection 38 .
  • a seating portion 36 ′ is formed at the other side of the rotation portion 36 based on the catching projection 38 .
  • the seating portion 36 ′ is a portion on which the coupling protrusion 57 , which has climbed over the catching projection 38 , is seated when the main body 10 and the cleaning body 50 are completely coupled, and the seating portion 36 ′ may be considered as a part of the rotation portion 36 .
  • an opened inlet of the introduction portion 34 is formed to have a width relatively larger than that of a portion inside the inlet. More exactly, a width of an opened portion of the introduction portion 34 increases outward, and the reason is to allow the coupling protrusion 57 to be easily inserted into the introduction portion 34 .
  • a fastening portion 37 is provided to protrude from a lower portion of the flange 30 .
  • the fastening portion 37 has a kind of a ring shape, and protrudes downward from the flange 30 , and has second fastening protruding portions 39 b and second fastening recesses 39 a which are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the fastening portion 37 .
  • the second fastening protruding portion 39 b and the second fastening recess 39 a correspond to a first fastening recess (not illustrated) and the first fastening protruding portion 15 , respectively, which are formed on an inner surface of the main body 10 , and as the second fastening protruding portion 39 b and the second fastening recess 39 a are coupled to the first fastening recess and the first fastening protruding portion 15 , the flange 30 may be secured to the main body 10 .
  • the tube guide 40 is provided at a lower side of the flange 30 .
  • the tube guide 40 is provided in the main body 10 at a portion corresponding to the lower side of the flange 30 , and serves to guide the path of the tube T 1 . That is, the tube guide 40 supports a part of the tube T 1 in a state in which the tube guide 40 is fixed in the main body 10 , and the tube guide 40 allows the tube T 1 to be directed in the exact direction so that the tube T 1 is connected with the internal fluid conduit 58 of the cleaning body 50 which will be described below.
  • a connecting flow path 48 is formed in the tube guide 40 so as to be elongated in one direction.
  • the tube guide 40 includes a guide plate 41 which is supported and fixed on the inner surface of the main body 10 , and the tube coupling portion 45 and a conduit insertion portion 47 which protrude in both directions from the guide plate 41 , respectively.
  • the guide plate 41 is formed in an approximately circular plate shape, and a lateral side of the guide plate 41 is supported and fixed on the inner surface of the main body 10 .
  • the light emitting unit which emits light
  • the light emitting unit may be provided in the main body 10
  • an evading portion 49 may be formed in the tube guide 40 by being recessed or opened so as to allow light emitted from the light emitting unit to pass through the evading portion 49 or allow the light emitting unit to be seated on the evading portion 49 .
  • the light emitting unit may be configured as a small-sized lighting device such as an LED, and the light emitted from the light emitting unit increases illumination intensity of the internal fluid conduit 58 and nozzles 65 , thereby improving usability when the tooth cleaning device is used at night, and making an external appearance of the tooth cleaning device aesthetically attractive.
  • the tube coupling portion 45 protrudes from a bottom surface of the guide plate 41 and is coupled to one end of the tube T 1
  • the conduit insertion portion 47 protrudes from an upper surface of the guide plate 41 so as to be positioned in an interior 32 of the flange 30 , and at least a part of the conduit insertion portion 47 is inserted into the internal fluid conduit 58 of the cleaning body 50 when the cleaning body 50 is coupled to the flange 30 .
  • the tube guide 40 is a connecting means that connects the tube T 1 and the internal fluid conduit 58 of the cleaning body 50 .
  • the conduit insertion portion 47 of the tube guide 40 protrudes upward and is connected with the internal fluid conduit 58 of the cleaning body 50 when a part of the conduit insertion portion 47 is superimposed with the internal fluid conduit 58 inside the flange 30 . That is, a flow path is continuously formed as a coupling boss 55 of the cleaning body 50 is naturally superimposed with the conduit insertion portion 47 during the process in which the cleaning body 50 is coupled to the flange 30 .
  • a waterproof seal S is provided on an outer surface of the conduit insertion portion 47 .
  • the waterproof seal S is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the conduit insertion portion 47 , and performs a waterproof function by being compressed against both the outer surface of the conduit insertion portion 47 of the tube guide 40 and an inner surface of the coupling boss 55 of the cleaning body 50 , which will be described below, during the process in which the conduit insertion portion 47 and the coupling boss 55 are coupled to each other.
  • a non-described reference numeral 47 ′ indicates a seating groove on which the waterproof seal S is seated.
  • the tube coupling portion 45 is formed such that a width thereof is decreased toward the protruding one end, and at least one coupling rib may protrude on an outer surface of the tube coupling portion 45 . The reason is to increase coupling force with the tube T 1 because the tube T 1 is coupled to the outer surface of the tube coupling portion 45 .
  • a single coupling rib may protrude on the outer surface of the tube coupling portion 45 .
  • any structure such as an unevenness shape may be applied as long as the coupling rib has a shape that protrudes from the outer surface of the tube coupling portion 45 .
  • the cleaning body 50 is a part which is separably coupled to the main body 10 , and substantially performs a cleaning function
  • the cleaning body 50 is configured to continuously extend from the main body 10 , and in the present exemplary embodiment, the cleaning body 50 is formed in a long bar shape. More exactly, a connecting bar 51 , which has the internal fluid conduit 58 formed therein, defines an external appearance and a framework of the cleaning body 50 , a cleaning head 60 and the coupling boss 55 are provided at both ends of the cleaning body 50 , respectively.
  • the coupling boss 55 protrudes from a lower end of the cleaning body 50
  • the coupling protrusions 57 protrude from an outer surface of the coupling boss 55 and are inserted into the coupling channels 33 of the flange 30 such that the cleaning body 50 and the main body 10 are coupled to each other.
  • the coupling protrusion 57 includes a first protrusion portion 57 a which relatively less protrudes from the outer surface of the coupling boss 55 , and a second protrusion portion 57 b which is connected with the first protrusion portion 57 a and relatively further protrudes. Since the extent to which the first protrusion portion 57 a protrudes is relatively small, the catching protrusion may easily climb over the aforementioned catching projection 38 of the coupling channel 33 , and after the catching protrusion climbs over the catching projection 38 , the second protrusion portion 57 b , which protrudes further, faces the catching projection 38 , such that the catching protrusion may not easily move in the opposite direction.
  • two coupling protrusions 57 are provided on the outer surface of the coupling boss 55 , but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto, one, or three or more coupling protrusions 57 may be provided.
  • the coupling channels 33 also need to be formed in the flange 30 such that the number and the positions of the coupling channels 33 correspond to the coupling protrusions 57 .
  • one end of the internal fluid conduit 58 is exposed to an internal space 56 of the coupling boss 55 , and a part of the aforementioned conduit insertion portion 47 of the tube guide 40 is inserted into one end of the internal fluid conduit 58 , such that the conduit insertion portion 47 and the internal fluid conduit 58 are connected to each other.
  • the cleaning head 60 is provided at one end of the connecting bar 51 , and at least one nozzle 65 is formed on an outer surface of the cleaning head 60 so as to spray a washing liquid, which has been delivered through a tube flow path T 1 ′, the connecting flow path 48 , and the internal fluid conduit 58 , into the mouth, or to suck moisture in the mouth and then discharge the moisture to the outside through the internal fluid conduit 58 , the connecting flow path 48 , and the tube flow path T 1 ′.
  • the cleaning head 60 is formed in a cylindrical shape or a circular plate shape, but may be modified to have various sizes and shapes as long as the cleaning head 60 has a structure that may be inserted into the user's mouth.
  • a plurality of nozzles 65 of the cleaning head 60 may be formed on at least one of an outer circumferential surface 61 of the cleaning head 60 , a front surface 62 of the cleaning head 60 , and a rear surface (denoted by no reference numeral) of the cleaning head 60 .
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which the plurality of nozzles 65 is formed on the outer circumferential surface 61 and the front surface 62 of the cleaning head 60 , respectively.
  • the nozzles 65 may be formed to be connected to one end of the internal fluid conduit 58 , and may be formed radially toward an outer circumferential surface of the cleaning head 60 .
  • the plurality of nozzles 65 may be configured to be able to effectively spray a high-pressure washing liquid delivered from the internal fluid conduit 58 .
  • Reference numeral 63 ′ indicates connecting channels that connect the nozzles 65 and the internal fluid conduit 58 .
  • the moisture in the mouth may be discharged to the outside through the nozzles 65 as described above.
  • a brush 70 may be provided on the cleaning head 60 .
  • the brush 70 is used to brush the teeth, and configured such that a plurality of bristles is bundled.
  • the brush 70 may be separably coupled to the cleaning head 60 , or formed integrally with the cleaning head 60 .
  • the brush 70 may be coupled to the cleaning head 60 in a threaded connection manner, in a press-fit manner, or by means of an assembling protrusion (not illustrated). Of course, the brush 70 need not be necessarily provided on the cleaning head 60 and may be omitted.
  • FIGS. 7 to 9 are operating state views sequentially illustrating a process in which the coupling protrusion of the cleaning body moves while the cleaning body and the flange, which constitute the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, are coupled.
  • the user cleans his/her mouth by using the cleaning head 60 of the cleaning body 50 , and the cleaning head 60 may be separated from and assembled to the main body 10 for various purposes such as convenience of storing the tooth cleaning device and replacing components.
  • the cleaning body 50 and the main body 10 are coupled will be described on the assumption that the cleaning body 50 and the main body 10 are separated from each other.
  • the cleaning body 50 and the main body 10 are moved in a direction in which the cleaning body 50 and the main body 10 become close to each other in a state in which the coupling boss 55 of the cleaning body 50 is directed toward the flange 30 of the main body 10 .
  • the coupling protrusion 57 of the cleaning body 50 is directed toward the coupling channel 33 of the main body 10 , and more exactly, the coupling protrusion 57 is inserted into the interior 32 of the flange 30 through the introduction portion 34 of the coupling channel 33 .
  • This state is illustrated in FIG. 7 .
  • the coupling protrusion 57 is moved downward along the connecting portion 35 connected with the introduction portion 34 as illustrated in FIG. 8 , and in this process, a part of the conduit insertion portion 47 of the tube guide 40 is inserted into the internal fluid conduit 58 provided in the coupling boss 55 .
  • This process may be naturally carried out because the conduit insertion portion 47 protrudes upward and is positioned in the interior 32 of the flange 30 .
  • the coupling protrusion 57 climbs over the catching projection 38 of the coupling channel 33 .
  • the coupling protrusion 57 may elastically deform the flange 30 to some extent.
  • the main body 10 and the cleaning body 50 are coupled by the relative rotation therebetween as described above, the main body 10 and the cleaning body 50 are not easily separated even in a case in which external force is applied in a direction in which the main body 10 and the cleaning body 50 are separated from each other.
  • the waterproof seal S which is provided on the conduit insertion portion 47 of the tube guide 40 , may be more easily compressed.
  • the tube T 1 is coupled to the tube coupling portion 45 of the guide tube 40 , the tube flow path T 1 ′, the connecting flow path 48 , and the internal fluid conduit 58 define a single continuous flow path, and the cleaning solution may be supplied or a fluid may be discharged through the single continuous flow path.
  • the cleaning solution which has sequentially passed through the tube flow path T 1 ′, the connecting flow path 48 , and the internal fluid conduit 58 , is discharged to the outside, that is, into the user's mouth through the nozzles 65 , thereby cleaning the user's teeth.
  • the liquid which has sequentially passed through the internal fluid conduit 58 , the connecting flow path 48 , and the tube flow path T 1 ′, may be discharged to the outside
  • the cleaning solution moves through the tube T 1 first. Further, the cleaning solution flows into the main body 10 along the tube T 1 , and the cleaning solution is delivered to the connecting flow path 48 of the tube guide 40 through the tube coupling portion 45 of the tube guide 40 which is coupled to the tube T 1 inside the main body 10 .
  • the tube guide 40 is connected with the internal fluid conduit 58 of the cleaning body 50 through the conduit insertion portion 47 , the cleaning solution is delivered to the internal fluid conduit 58 through the connecting flow path 48 , and moves in a direction toward the cleaning head 60 .
  • the cleaning solution is discharged through the nozzles 65 of the cleaning head 60 , and cleans the interior of the user's mouth.
  • the brush 70 is provided on the cleaning head 60
  • the user may brush his/her teeth by using the brush 70 at the same time when the cleaning solution is discharged.
  • the fluid remaining in the user's mouth may be discharged in the reverse order to the aforementioned processes. That is, when the negative pressure applied from the drive unit 100 is transmitted to the nozzles 65 , a fluid flowing in through the nozzles 65 is discharged to the outside through the internal fluid conduit 58 , the connecting flow path 48 , and the tube T 1 .
  • the tube guide 40 may be omitted, and one end of the tube T 1 provided in the main body 10 may be positioned in the interior 32 of the flange 30 , such that when the cleaning body 50 is coupled to the flange 30 , one end of the internal fluid conduit 58 of the cleaning body 50 and one end of the tube T 1 may be directly connected to each other.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
US15/305,981 2015-02-16 2015-11-06 Tooth cleaning device having internal fluid conduit formed therein Active US9974628B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020150023293A KR101646053B1 (ko) 2015-02-16 2015-02-16 내부유로가 형성된 치아세정기구
KR10-2015-0023293 2015-02-16
PCT/KR2015/011919 WO2016133265A1 (fr) 2015-02-16 2015-11-06 Dispositif de nettoyage des dents à conduit de fluide interne formé en son sein

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US20170042638A1 US20170042638A1 (en) 2017-02-16
US9974628B2 true US9974628B2 (en) 2018-05-22

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US15/305,981 Active US9974628B2 (en) 2015-02-16 2015-11-06 Tooth cleaning device having internal fluid conduit formed therein

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US (1) US9974628B2 (fr)
EP (1) EP3260080B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP6501166B2 (fr)
KR (1) KR101646053B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN107257672A (fr)
WO (1) WO2016133265A1 (fr)

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US11399924B2 (en) 2017-06-27 2022-08-02 Braun Gmbh Refill for electric toothbrush
US11622841B2 (en) 2019-05-31 2023-04-11 Dignity Health Toothbrush with controlled suction and/or irrigation
US11819372B2 (en) 2021-07-07 2023-11-21 OralKleen, LLC Toothbrush with disposable irrigator

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USD819974S1 (en) * 2016-09-14 2018-06-12 Bruzzoni International AB Electric toothbrush
GB2555417B (en) 2016-10-26 2020-01-22 Dyson Technology Ltd Cleaning Appliance
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USD830699S1 (en) * 2017-02-03 2018-10-16 Harria Investment Group Ltd. Brush head for an electric toothbrush
USD816999S1 (en) * 2017-03-06 2018-05-08 Ranir, Llc Toothbrush
USD817000S1 (en) 2017-03-08 2018-05-08 Filip Sedic Toothbrush
CN109223230B (zh) 2017-07-11 2020-09-25 Js控股股份有限公司 用于电动牙刷的可移除的刷头
KR101822645B1 (ko) 2017-07-28 2018-01-26 주식회사 블루레오 구강 세정기
CN107837116B (zh) * 2017-10-26 2023-06-23 上海杰达齿科制作有限公司 齿科种植导板、钻头及其应用方法
KR102057152B1 (ko) 2017-11-24 2019-12-18 주식회사 블루레오 구강 세정기
GB2574859B (en) 2018-06-20 2020-10-28 Dyson Technology Ltd Motorised toothbrush with fluid delivery
GB2575022B (en) 2018-06-20 2020-09-30 Dyson Technology Ltd Dental treatment appliance
US11998668B2 (en) 2018-07-24 2024-06-04 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Workpiece retention mechanism for oral care device
WO2021006277A1 (fr) * 2019-07-09 2021-01-14 株式会社西尾 Brosse à dents
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US11369462B2 (en) 2017-06-27 2022-06-28 Braun Gmbh Electric toothbrush
US11399924B2 (en) 2017-06-27 2022-08-02 Braun Gmbh Refill for electric toothbrush
US20190239991A1 (en) * 2018-02-05 2019-08-08 WATERLOO Co. Water toothbrush
US11622841B2 (en) 2019-05-31 2023-04-11 Dignity Health Toothbrush with controlled suction and/or irrigation
US11819372B2 (en) 2021-07-07 2023-11-21 OralKleen, LLC Toothbrush with disposable irrigator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2016133265A1 (fr) 2016-08-25
CN107257672A (zh) 2017-10-17
EP3260080B1 (fr) 2022-01-05
EP3260080A1 (fr) 2017-12-27
KR101646053B1 (ko) 2016-08-08
JP6501166B2 (ja) 2019-04-17
JP2018508327A (ja) 2018-03-29
US20170042638A1 (en) 2017-02-16
EP3260080A4 (fr) 2019-03-13

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